The Houston Community College System is an open-admission, public institution of higher education offering opportunities for academic advancement, workforce training, career development, and lifelong learning that prepare individuals in our diverse communities for life and work in a global and technological society.

School Highlights:

Houston Community College serves 57,978 students (31% of students are full-time).

The college's student:teacher ratio of 43:1 is higher than the community college average of 26:1.

Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the state average of 57%.

Finances and Admission

The in-state tuition of $3,358 is less than the state average of $5,940. The in-state tuition has grown by 17% over four years.

The out-state tuition of $3,754 is less than the state average of $10,047. The out-state tuition has grown by 10% over four years.

In-State Tuition Fees

$3,358

$5,940

Out-State Tuition Fees

$3,754

$10,047

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid

68%

89%

Source: 2013 (latest year available) IPEDS

School Notes:

Houston Community College is one of the largest community colleges in the United States, serving over 55,000 students each semester. Five area colleges and one specialty college, as well as an extensive distance education program within the system serve the 618 square mile area including Houston and the surrounding regions.
The Houston Community College System (HCC) was created under the governance of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) as the result of a public referendum on May 18, 1971. In August of that year, more than 5,700 students enrolled in workforce education courses held at the Houston Technical Institute. In the following semester, academic transfer classes were added and taught at six HISD locations.
The college offers Academic degrees, Workforce degrees & certificates and Continuing Education programs.
The Houston Community College System is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree.

Not all community college students spend their winter and summer break on vacation. Some utilize that time to take a few extra classes and earn credits that can help them graduate early. Other students test out of courses and receive credit for work experiences in order to get ahead. In this article, learn about the various methods you can use to pursue extra college credits.